CHUL-HYUN AHN

CHUL-HYUN AHN

Shaped within finite dimensions, the works of Chul-Hyun Ahn employ a combination of lights and mirrors in order to manipulate perspective. The repetitions of light patterns, resulting in boundless reflections, convey the impression of looking into a seemingly limitless space. By providing an illusionistic environment, Ahn’s sculptures encourage the viewer to consider concepts that defy human understanding. “ By looking at the emptiness, I hope people can find the place or something they had been searching for”.

Despite the use of basic industrial materials such as concrete, cast, plywood, mirrors neon and led lights Ahn has the ability to introduce a contemplative dimension to his works. Interacting with Ahn’s installations implies questioning the perception of the object and its construction: by looking deeply into his artificial environment, the obvious physical boundaries of the sculpture become doubtful, the illusion of the endless void and infinite depth generates a dazing paradox.

Ahn’s knowledge in art and technology embraces the Zen practice of meditation: in the Zen Buddhist tradition, the enlightenment is achieved through meditation, which can be increased by reducing optical stimuli. The dizzying visual impact provoked by Ahn’s balanced use of lighting and mirrors is aimed at tracing a pathway to a spiritual experience.

Chul-Hyun Ahn was born in 1971 in Busan, South Korea. Since 2002, he has been living and working in Baltimore, USA. His works have been shown in numerous exhibitions in Paris, Berlin, New York and Seoul.